17/06/2026 06:06 - Internacionales
Acantilado rocoso de aproximadamente 30-40 metros de altura en zona selvática tropical de Brasil, con vegetación verde exuberante, formaciones rocosas irregulares y un entorno de turismo aventura
On Sunday June 15, 2026, what promised to be an adventure tourism day turned into terrible news in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Rosemary Suzart Garcia, a 59-year-old woman resident of the Cordovil neighborhood, died after falling from a height of 30 meters in the vicinity of Grutas do Spar, in the town of Maricá.
The victim was part of a group of 15 people who were hiking in one of the city's main spots for adventure sports. The accident occurred while she was preparing to do a rappel descent.
According to the reconstruction by Brazilian authorities, Suzart Garcia had briefly moved away from the group toward a viewpoint near the anchor point where the rappel activity would begin.
In a moment of carelessness, while trying to apply insect repellent, the woman lifted one leg to reach the area better, causing her supporting foot to slip. Losing her balance, she fell into the void before the helpless gaze of those present.
It's important to note that the victim was wearing all relevant safety equipment, including helmet and gloves, as she was about to start the sporting activity.
Giovanni Maximino, the guide accompanying the group, told authorities that he tried to prevent the fall by holding the woman by the arm, but failed to retain her.
In a desperate gesture to save her, the man was nearly dragged by the fall. He saved his own life by grabbing onto a root protruding from the rocky wall during the struggle.
Maximino only managed to contact Suzart Garcia's children at 2 AM on Monday, according to his statement to local media: "Until then, we hadn't had contact with any family member."
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim | Rosemary Suzart Garcia (59 years old) |
| Location | Grutas do Spar, Maricá, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil |
| Fall Height | 30 meters (approximately 98 feet) |
| Fire Department Alert Time | 10:44 AM on Sunday 06/15/2026 |
| Group Members | 15 people |
| Cave Height | 40 meters (approximately 131 feet) |
The Grutas do Spar are located in the Inoã area of Maricá, and until approximately 50 years ago functioned as a mining zone where mica and feldspar were extracted, among other minerals.
Today, the area has been converted into a popular destination for adventure sports lovers due to its impressive rock formations, a natural lake, and a 40-meter-high cave that attracts rappel and hiking practitioners from throughout the region.
The municipality of Maricá issued a statement disclaiming responsibility for the incident. Local authorities clarified that Grutas do Spar are located on private property within the Maricá Wildlife Refuge (Revis).
Therefore, the local administration pointed out that it is not responsible for the inspection or authorization of extreme sports activities carried out there, as it is private land.
The Civil Police initiated an investigation to determine the exact circumstances of the event. The victim's body was transferred to the São Gonçalo Forensic Medical Institute for relevant studies.
This incident occurs just one day after another similar tragedy in Brazil, where María Eduarda Rodrigues de Freitas, a 21-year-old young woman, lost her life on June 13, 2026 during a rope jump (bungee jump) practice at the Skeleton Bridge in Limeira, São Paulo. In that case, the victim fell approximately 40 meters without being tied to safety ropes, and three instructors were detained for homicide with implicit intent.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
